This article by Henry Gifford, an energy saving specialist discusses why heat pumps are no panacea. His points, well made, bring home the messages that building envelope efficiency is critical and the importance of examining the entire energy chain – from power house to your house. Not that readers of this blog need reminding, but Henry also points out that over half of this country’s electricity derives from coal burning . (BTW clean coal = oxymoron du jour)
http://www.finehomebuilding.com/departments/taking-issue/heat-pump-schmeat-pump.aspx